Speaking for Myself

Scripture – John 9:18-23: The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) These particular Jewish leaders were exceptionally stubborn people. They went way out of their way to somehow disprove what was right before their eyes. The man was blind and now he could see! His parents were obviously intimidated by these leaders. At the same time, they were right in what they said, “He is of age; he will speak for himself.” This is all about that witnessing business. They testified to what they knew – he was their son and he was born blind. They didn’t know any more than that. No one else can tell my story. And if I don’t tell it, it will go unheard. There’s little power in talking about someone else. There’s great power in speaking personally.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will stick to my story today. As I prepare for Sunday’s sermons, I will keep my experience with Christ close and present.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you have lifted me from a darkness I could never escape on my own. You have opened doors that lead to a fullness of life I never imagined. You have performed miracles in my life no less amazing than what you did for this man. And so I thank you and praise you. Teach me how and when to share what you have done for me